Huskers Look to Neutralize Colter, Stop Northwestern

By Courtesy: Nebraska Media Relations&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Tue 8:43 PM, Oct 16, 2012

The Nebraska football team practiced for two hours in full pads on the Ed and Joyanne Gass practice fields Tuesday afternoon, as the Huskers continued preparations for Saturday's game against the Northwestern Wildcats.

Defensive Coordinator John Papuchis addressed the media after practice, as the focus shifted to slowing down Northwestern’s Kain Colter, who has been a threat at both quarterback and wide receiver for the Wildcats.

“He’s a great talent and a great athlete. He has come a long way as a quarterback, and he’s a threat as a wide out,” Papuchis said. “He’s the guy they are looking for when he lines up outside. A big part of the game plan is going to be to neutralize him, whether he is at wide out or quarterback.”

Colter started the first four games at quarterback for the Wildcats this season before switching back to his quarterback/wide receiver dual role. Last season, as a sophomore, he led Northwestern in rushing, passing, and receiving yards. He also scored two rushing touchdowns and threw for another in Northwestern’s 28-25 win at Nebraska last season. Papuchis commented on preparing for both Colter and sophomore Trevor Siemian at quarterback this week.

“In the first five weeks, they both ran the same plays, but obviously Kain’s more of a running weapon at quarterback,” Papuchis said. “We’re preparing for both guys to play, we expect both guys to play, and our guys will be ready for both of them.”

Nebraska’s last time out saw an early lead turn into a 63-38 loss at Ohio State. Papuchis discussed how the team has moved on from the disappointing setback, and how much is still left on the table for the Huskers this year.

“Our guys are resilient,” Papuchis said. “They know there’s a lot left for us in the back half of the year. We still control our destiny to Indianapolis, and we control our destiny to the Rose Bowl.”

The Nebraska football team prepares for Saturday’s Legends Division clash, which is set for 2:30 p.m. (central) with live national television coverage on ABC or on ESPN2 in markets where the game is not shown on ABC.

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